Truly Yours

Bisexual brouhaha? And should I date an HIV+ man?

It’s rather queer that a drag queen would pass moral judgment on the lifestyle of a happily married bisexual. I’m sure you’re aware that couples can be legally married in Nevada at a drive-thru, using whatever vows they choose (which may not include monogamy), by an Elvis impersonator…or even a female illusionist. Rather than criticizing “Happy Married Bi” for tricking with closed-minded gay men, you might have suggested he and his wife explore the idea of plural marriage with a much more suitable bisexual man, whom they both found compatible. To find such a relationship, of course, would require “Happy Married Bi” and his wife do some dating with prospective mates first. It also assumes they’re honest with each other. We already know that he’s honest with his tricks about his wife.

–Plurally Married

Dear Lena,

Usually you give very sound advice, but here I think your own prejudices threw you way off the mark.

You told a married bisexual who likes having recreational sex with men that the reason gay men expressed their disapproval of his bisexuality was that they didn’t want to be used to satisfy another man’s urges. That’s a crock.

Not all marriages are based on monogamy. If you enter a civil marriage, the clerk or justice of the peace simply asks, “Do you take this man/woman to be your husband/wife?” Takes all of five seconds, without all the moral/religious stipulations and conditions.

Second, your advice was extremely condescending regarding recreational sex. C’mon, an advice columnist in a gay publication of all people should be aware that recreational sex is as much a valid hobby or pastime of men who have sex with men as pick-up basketball games, fishing or bowling are among straight men. And where did you get the idea “no one likes to be used”? Certainly you’re aware that there are lots of folks who enjoy B/D/S/M, Daddy/boy, Master/slave relationships. Certainly you’re aware some men fetishize watersports, being spanked, paddled, whipped or gang-banged. For an advice columnist, you seem awfully naive. Or is it that you simply disapprove?

I don’t know why you didn’t simply refer Happy Married Bi to a group like the Gay Married Men’s Association (GAMMA), at www.gay-married.com, where he could have found a supportive environment of like-minded men.

—Miffed in VA

As I wrote before, this question is an interesting one. But I think you have misunderstood what I wrote. I’m not passing any sort of judgment on the bisexual married man looking for sex. Remember, he wrote, "Gay guys go nuts when I tell them I am bisexual." My question is why do you have to tell me anything about yourself at all? If it’s simply sex for the sake of sex, then by all means let’s do it. But if you start revealing intimate details about yourself, then you’re creating and forming — or at least trying to — a relationship. Honey, I don’t need to know even your name if we’re just fucking. Why are you telling me that you’re married? Does this information make the sex between us better? If you want sex for the sake of sex, have at it. Just be clear with the other person — and yourself — that that is what it is. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

Dear Lena,

I really like this guy and I know that he is interested in me as well. The only thing that stops me for pursuing it further is that he is HIV positive and I am not. Do you think I should let this go or do you think I should pursue him and not let the HIV factor get in the way. Need help.

–At the Crossroads

Honey, we are all more than the sum of our parts. Being HIV positive is a part of who he is. It is wise to take precautions, but avoiding him is a form of discrimination. Ask yourself, do you enjoy him? Does he make me laugh? Do I become a better person when I am with him? When you start discriminating you will always find a reason to avoid people. Do not waste an opportunity because of fear. If you feel you don’t know enough about HIV to make a decision such as this, you can find many sources of information at Whitman-Walker Clinic at www.wwc.org.

Truly Yours

I’m a 27-year-old bisexual male and I’m married to a female. My problem is that I’m a true bisexual — I honestly enjoy sex with females and males and I’d never want to give up either. When I have sex with my wife, it’s a wonderful loving experience. When I have sex with guys, it’s recreation. Some guys like to drink, play cars, etc. I like getting off.

The problem with being a true bisexual is that many gay guys go nuts when I tell them I’m married. I feel it’s right to let them know because I want to make it clear that I’m looking for recreational sex, not a relationship. They accuse me of denying my sexuality, say that I’m really gay and living a lie, and many other hateful things.

I can’t understand it. I’m being honest, I don’t condemn anyone else for their sexual preference, and I’m a nice decent guy. Why do these gay guys have to be so angry about another human being’s sexual preference? Of all people, I’d think a gay guy would think it’s okay to be “different!” I don’t want to lie and not tell guys I meet that I’m not single. I don’t thinks it’s fair to them. But, I’m tired of the reaction I get from many gay guys.

–Happy Married Bi

What an interesting question. I think the anger you’re sensing is not from your choice in sexual partners but instead in the manner in which you approach it. You state that some men like to drink, play cards, etc., while you just like to get off. You have compared something intimate and involving another human being to something inanimate and divorced of feelings and emotions. You’ve just reduced an act that is to be shared as physical and emotional to nothing more than mechanical.

No one likes to be used, and by your own admission you are simply using these men for your pleasure. There are lots of gay men who are into sex for the sake of getting off, so perhaps you have not found the right ones yet. I should hope we are all called to something a little better however. Otherwise we are nothing more than well-dressed and groomed animals with good taste.

However, I have a few parting questions for you. What type of message are you sending your wife? I know of few wedding vows that allow for the behavior that you describe. Is this fair to her or is she simply being used as well?

Dear Lena,

I feel like I have my true self inside of me and can’t let it out. I haven’t told my family and friends that I like girls. I am 20 years old and at the prime time in my life, but I can’t do what I like out of shame. I was thinking of moving to another state. What do I do? By the way, I am female.

–Bottled Up

I get you like girls. Well, I mean, I understand you like girls. I am not sure I get it, but that’s another story all together. I do not, however, get why you feel so much shame. Moving to another state is a mere change in geography — do you believe that a new set of hills or an ocean view will suddenly make you feel less ashamed? The issue you must face is how to come to embrace who and what you are and shed the feelings of guilt imposed upon you by years of teaching and indoctrination. Moving will serve to complicate your situation and it’s a real pain in the ass as well. Wrestle with your demon here and now — avoiding it will only waste your time and energy.

Truly Yours,

Lena

Lonely hearted? Hardly lonely? Just plain hard up? Lena will solve your problem at the cost of a question. E-mail her at lena@metroweekly.com or visit www.metroweekly.com to fill out a handy webform.

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